A crisp white kurta is one of those wardrobe staples every Indian household swears by, and also the one that attracts every stain going. A drop of haldi, a splash of chai, a smear of oil from the festive spread, and suddenly it looks like the evening has been ruined. The good news is that you don’t need harsh bleach, and you certainly don’t have to retire the kurta. A few things from your kitchen and cupboard are enough to lift most stains, as long as you stay gentle with the fabric. Here are three simple hacks that actually work.
When a stain has dried and refuses to budge, a little 3 percent hydrogen peroxide can help, and it’s gentler than regular bleach on white cotton. Because it can lighten them, and never mix it with vinegar, never use this on coloured borders or prints,. This one is a lifesaver for oil, curry and grease marks. Mix a tablespoon of dish soap with a tablespoon of baking soda and a couple of tablespoons of cold water to make a thick paste. Spread it over the stain and leave it for twenty to thirty minutes. The dish soap cuts through the oil, which loosens the colour with it, while the baking soda helps lift what’s left. Dab gently with a soft brush or cloth, then rinse well in cold water. For stubborn yellow turmeric marks, nature has a surprisingly effective solution. Wash the stain with cold water and a little detergent first, then squeeze fresh lemon juice over it and hang the damp kurta in direct sunlight for two to three hours. The citric acid and the sun work together to fade the yellow gradually, and you don’t need any chemicals at all. This works best on plain white cotton, so skip it for delicate or embroidered fabrics. Mix two parts peroxide with one part dish soap, dab it onto the stain, and leave it for twenty to thirty minutes. Rinse thoroughly in cold water afterwards. Wear gloves and test on a hidden spot first.